Among the larger South Korean tea growing regions, Hadong offers some of the finest teas of them all. Located in the south of the country at the foot of Jirisan mountain – the second highest in Korea – the hilly landscape only allows for traditional, small scale, manual farming while providing the optimal tea growing conditions with plenty of fresh mountain water and fog. Since the tea plants grow alongside bamboo groves they also receive added moisture from the sweet bamboo dew. Tea from Jirisan is highly sought after within Korea as well as by tea connoisseurs worldwide, and therefore is exported in very limited quantities.
Jirisan
Balhyocha Pest.Free
Imperial Grade 98 P.
SKU
7930
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Traditional Balhyocha black tea from Korea with delectable notes of sugar beet syrup and chocolate. Hand-picked from native tea trees growing semi-wild without pesticides at an award-winning farm surrounded by bamboo forests at the foot of Jirisan mountain.
| Character | Sugar beet syrup, chocolate, malt, fresh, honey water |
| Tea Farm | Award-winning farm with semi-wild tea plants |
| Terroir | Jirisan, Hadong, Gyeongsangnam, South Korea |
| Harvest | Spring, early May 2023 |
| Cultivar | Native tea trees |
| Altitude | 350m to 400m |
| Oxidation | Strong (90%) |
| Processing | Hand-plucked, withered overnight, oxidised (4 hours), rested, rolled, oxidised (approx. 15 hours) steamed & dried twice, pan-fried/dried (120°C) |
| Cultivation | Without pesticides |
| Grade | 98/100 P. (Black tea category) – Imperial Grade |
In stock
Tea Farm
The tea farm is picturesquely located at the foot of Jirisan mountain, in the national park of the same name, where for over five decades the farmers have been cultivating tea entirely by hand, without the use of pesticides. Descended from the very first tea plants that came to Korea over 1200 years ago, these native tea trees grow semi-wild amongst bamboo forests, which along with the mountain rivers, provide the tea plants with natural shade and fresh, moist air. Over the years the tea farm has won many important awards for its green and black teas, in Korea as well as abroad, including a number of gold prizes at the World Green Tea Contest in Shizuoka, Japan.
Character
Flavour
The wet leaves exude an interplay of muscatel, caramel and a hint of menthol, leading to a fresh, drinkable, slightly malty infusion that gradually thickens, evoking sugar beet syrup, accompanied by notes of dark chocolate and caramelised sugar. A floral flurry tickles the palate at the finish, adding a playfulness to the tea, while a nourishing embrace reminiscent of honey water takes hold as the viscosity dissipates with further infusions.
Leaf
Delicate, slightly curled, dark chocolate needles
Cup
Light honey orange
Balhyocha
Balhyocha (발효차) is a Korean black tea specialty particularly associated with those from the Hadong region in the southern province of Gyeongsangnam. Although it literally means "fermented tea" the term usually refers to strongly or fully oxidised black tea. The level of oxidation and production processes vary from farmer to farmer, which creates a wide range of flavours from floral and fruity to malty.
Laboratory Tests
We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements.
Yoshi En
Premium Organic Teas
Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.
Cultivation & Processing
Preparation
Brewing Guide
Steep 3 tsp in 200–300ml of water at 85–90°C for 1–2 min. Suitable for multiple infusions.
Recommended Teapot
We recommend brewing this Korean tea Gongfu style in a Yixing or Nixing clay teapot, or even a Gaiwan.
Packaging & Storage
Packed in a high-quality, airtight, resealable standing zipper pouch with nine protective layers to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut. Alternatively place tea leaves in a stylish tea caddy.
Test results
We find it very important that our teas are pure and produced in a way that respects the environment. For this reason, each one of our teas is tested for pesticide residues by an independent laboratory, the results of which can be found here. Some of our teas are also tested for specific nutritional compounds, in which case the test results are also published here.
